Sitting in the UAE, it’s hard to visualise the terrain of Greenland, which is home to the world’s second-largest ice sheet, endless icebergs, pristine natural landscapes and many more boats than cars. Photos and videos couldn’t prepare me for what I was about to experience during my five-day climate change expedition in September to one of the northernmost parts of the world.
Along with my colleague Manal, who leads operations at Emirates Nature-WWF, and a group of vibrant, inspiring female climate leaders from around the world, I made my way to the village of Ilulissat, 250 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, for an update on the latest status of climate change and to explore high-impact solutions with scientists, experts and the local Inuit community of Greenland.
Why go all the way to Greenland for this? Let me answer with a question: what is the one thing that Greenland and the UAE have in common? Both are experiencing climate change faster than other parts of the world.
While average global surface temperatures have risen to 1.2°C since pre-industrial times, temperatures have risen to 1.5°C in Greenland and 1.8°C in the Emirates. As the planet’s surface temperatures continue to rise, both countries will experience temperatures inching even higher, disproportionate to the global average.
Greenland’s ice sheet is melting four times faster than in 2003 and is losing 270 billion tonnes of ice mass a year, making it one of the largest contributors to rising sea levels. Scientists say that the ice sheet is close to tipping point, beyond which melting would become inevitable, regardless of global temperatures. This would trigger numerous knock-on effects such as rising sea levels and coastal inundation. It would also involve thawing permafrost releasing greenhouse gases; increasing amounts of water vapour that could evolve into destructive typhoons and cold glacial melt that would interact with warmer oceans and slow down ocean currents. A diminished ice sheet would also reduce the reflection of incoming solar energy and radiation. These are just some of the innumerable consequences that scientists in the Arctic Circle are still deciphering.
The Greenland ice sheet is a treasure trove for scientists. It has existed for more than 100,000 years – some portions have existed for even longer – there is much to learn. Scientists have been able to drill out cylinders of ice – “ice cores” – and measure the atmospheric composition of the air pockets trapped within. This data holds insights about historic temperature levels and atmospheric composition of carbon dioxide, methane and other heat-trapping gasses. Scientists have been able to corelate these to different eras such as pre-historic times, the last Ice Age and the Industrial Revolution. Most importantly, they verify that atmospheric carbon dioxide is increasing at a much faster rate than ever before.
However, although carbon emissions have increased greatly, temperatures have not caught up yet. This points to a narrow window of opportunity in which we can act to prevent irreversible change – seven years, according to climate scientists at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
But the most shocking thing I experienced during the expedition wasn’t the data, charts or timelines – it was something else. One of the most striking things about Ilulissat is the abundance of icebergs. Everywhere we looked, we saw mountains of ice that blended into the clouds – and were quickly informed that these towers of ice were quite tiny compared to how large they used to be.
During our travels by land and boat, we found ourselves surrounded by smaller chunks of ephemeral ice that floated around, relatively briefly, before they dissolved into the sea for good. As we marvelled at the silence and immense beauty of Mother Nature, we were jarred by the realities of climate change – the crashing sound of chunks of ice calving off the glaciers and falling into the sea, time and time again. Every few minutes, we felt sound vibrations run through our nervous systems, as nature reminded us of the raw power, the sheer scale and unimaginable speed of climate change.
As we get closer to Cop28, it is important that we – residents of the UAE – and around the world, stay focused on achieving a credible pathway for a 1.5°C world
As the day ended, we were each left with profound thoughts about the lasting physical impact of our every choice and action. The next morning, we woke up with renewed conviction and commitment to tackle the climate-nature crisis once and for all.
A moment that I will forever cherish is our walk through Ilulissat Icefjord to visit an old settlement where the indigenous Inuit first settled 4,500 years ago. They passed down their traditions and knowledge for generations, teaching younger Inuit how to survive off the land by hunting for whales, seals and reindeer, as well as foraging for berries. The community would use sled dogs as their main mode of transportation.
I found comfort in the familiarity of tradition; it reminded me of how our Emirati ancestors taught us how to survive in the harsh desert, hunt for pearls and fully utilise the limited natural resources we had access to before industrialisation and modernisation. I also found solace in the spirit of the Greenlandic people, who have turned to entrepreneurship, renewable energy and innovation to ensure food, transport and livelihoods. They have been forced by climate change to learn how to adapt within a generation and have so much progress to show for it.
As we get closer to the critical Cop28 climate change conference in Dubai, it is of paramount importance that we – residents of the UAE – and around the world, stay focussed on achieving a credible pathway for a 1.5°C world, in line with the Paris Agreement. The journey will be challenging, but I can say with experience and confidence that collective action can shape a better, sustainable future. The journey entails several things.
First, we need to have broader awareness about the urgency of climate change. This crisis will not resolve itself. Authentic storytelling will be critical to mobilise society to act. This includes government and non-state actors such as businesses and organisations, as well as civil society, young people and local communities.
We need to see greater collaboration across sectors and industries on climate mitigation and adaptation, and especially the transition towards renewable energy. The science is clear on the pathway to net zero: we need to work together to halve emissions, triple renewable energy and double energy efficiency by 2030 to secure a 1.5°C future.
There needs to be a recognition of nature and nature-based solutions as some of our greatest allies against climate change, with the potential to absorb emissions from the atmosphere, build adaptive capacity to protect us against the impacts of climate change, and improve biodiversity and human well-being through innovative projects around food security and ecotourism. Nature has already played a pivotal role in slowing down warming by absorbing 54 per cent of human-related carbon emissions over the past 10 years.
Also necessary is a holistic approach that prioritises technology that removes carbon and methane from our atmosphere. We must also realise this is not a standalone solution – it must be part of a larger pool of solutions. Collaboration with local communities and the inherent knowledge they have of their land is also a must.
Increased willingness and action to transform our approach to food, agriculture and land use is important because it is responsible for a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions, including the highly potent methane that is fuelling near-term temperature rises.
Last and certainly not least, we need to swiftly mobilise financing for impactful investments that can lead to co-benefits for society, the environment and the economy.
Everyone has a role to play in tackling the greatest challenge to people and planet. I urge you to find your role within the system and be part of the global movement to act faster and smarter, so that we can restore nature and get ahead of climate change once and for all.
A great way to start is by looking at platforms that are readily available, such as Leaders of Change in the UAE, which provides people with the opportunity to participate in conservation field work and projects that are linked to national and global climate and nature targets.
The years Ramadan fell in May
Heavily-sugared soft drinks slip through the tax net
Some popular drinks with high levels of sugar and caffeine have slipped through the fizz drink tax loophole, as they are not carbonated or classed as an energy drink.
Arizona Iced Tea with lemon is one of those beverages, with one 240 millilitre serving offering up 23 grams of sugar - about six teaspoons.
A 680ml can of Arizona Iced Tea costs just Dh6.
Most sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, five teaspoons of sugar in a 500ml bottle.
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BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Match info
Manchester United 1
Fred (18')
Wolves 1
Moutinho (53')
BRAZIL SQUAD
Alisson (Liverpool), Daniel Fuzato (Roma), Ederson (Man City); Alex Sandro (Juventus), Danilo (Juventus), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Emerson (Real Betis), Felipe (Atletico Madrid), Marquinhos (PSG), Renan Lodi (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Silva (PSG); Arthur (Barcelona), Casemiro (Real Madrid), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Fabinho (Liverpool), Lucas Paqueta (AC Milan), Philippe Coutinho (Bayern Munich); David Neres (Ajax), Gabriel Jesus (Man City), Richarlison (Everton), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Willian (Chelsea).
Farage on Muslim Brotherhood
Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
"We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know.
“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.
Results
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 2,200m; Winner: Gurm, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)
5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Al Nafece, Al Muatasm Al Balushi, Mohammed Ramadan
6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: Ashton Tourettes, Adrie de Vries, Ibrahim Aseel
6.30pm: Arabian Triple Crown – Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Ottoman, Adrie de Vries, Abdallah Al Hammadi
7pm: Liwa Oasis – Group 2 (PA) 300,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Hakeemat Muscat, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Ganbaru, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
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The years Ramadan fell in May
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MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
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Indika
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Libya's Gold
UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves.
The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.
Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg
Roma 4
Milner (15' OG), Dzeko (52'), Nainggolan (86', 90 4')
Liverpool 2
Mane (9'), Wijnaldum (25')
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
Evacuations to France hit by controversy
- Over 500 Gazans have been evacuated to France since November 2023
- Evacuations were paused after a student already in France posted anti-Semitic content and was subsequently expelled to Qatar
- The Foreign Ministry launched a review to determine how authorities failed to detect the posts before her entry
- Artists and researchers fall under a programme called Pause that began in 2017
- It has benefited more than 700 people from 44 countries, including Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Sudan
- Since the start of the Gaza war, it has also included 45 Gazan beneficiaries
- Unlike students, they are allowed to bring their families to France
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
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Fines for littering
In Dubai:
Dh200 for littering or spitting in the Dubai Metro
Dh500 for throwing cigarette butts or chewing gum on the floor, or littering from a vehicle.
Dh1,000 for littering on a beach, spitting in public places, throwing a cigarette butt from a vehicle
In Sharjah and other emirates
Dh500 for littering - including cigarette butts and chewing gum - in public places and beaches in Sharjah
Dh2,000 for littering in Sharjah deserts
Dh500 for littering from a vehicle in Ras Al Khaimah
Dh1,000 for littering from a car in Abu Dhabi
Dh1,000 to Dh100,000 for dumping waste in residential or public areas in Al Ain
Dh10,000 for littering at Ajman's beaches
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
RACECARD
6pm Emaar Dubai Sprint – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (Turf) 1,200m
6.35pm Graduate Stakes – Conditions (TB) $100,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.10pm Al Khail Trophy – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 2,810m
7.45pm UAE 1000 Guineas – Listed (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,600m
8.20pm Zabeel Turf – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 2,000m
8.55pm Downtown Dubai Cup – Rated Conditions (TB) $80,000 (D) 1,400m
9.30pm Zabeel Mile – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,600m
10.05pm Dubai Sprint – Listed (TB) $100,000 (T) 1,200m
Race card
6.30pm: Emirates Holidays Maiden (TB), Dh82,500 (Dirt), 1,900m
7.05pm: Arabian Adventures Maiden (TB), Dh82,500 (D), 1,200m
7.40pm: Emirates Skywards Handicap (TB), Dh82,500 (D), 1,200m
8.15pm: Emirates Airline Conditions (TB), Dh120,000 (D), 1,400m
8.50pm: Emirates Sky Cargo (TB), Dh92,500 (D)1,400m
9.15pm: Emirates.com (TB), Dh95,000 (D), 2,000m
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
The five pillars of Islam
